Downtown Jerusalem is the heart of the modern metropolis, with nightlife, dining and culture to rival any major city. The area is made up of several neighborhoods, including the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market, charming Nahalat Shiva, bustling Ben Yehuda and Yafo Streets. Each has its own unique personality and atmosphere that you won’t want to miss out on.

South Jerusalem is an up-and-coming area that has seen the development of numerous attractions in recent years, including the state-of-the-art Jerusalem Payis Arena, which hosts some of the biggest international musical acts and sporting events. It joins places like Emek Refaim Street, Malha Mall, the Biblical Zoo, Teddy Stadium, Gazelle Valley and Ramat Rachel tourism complex in making up an area that is particularly popular with families.

West Jerusalem includes some of Jerusalem’s most charming neighborhoods and interesting attractions. Head to the picturesque Ein Karem at the foot of the Jerusalem Hills for a day of nature, quaint shops and elegant dining with a view. And for an unbeatable cultural experience, check out the Museum District, home to the world-class Israel Museum, the Bible Lands Museum, Science Museum and much more.

The Old City of Jerusalem has been a center of culture, religion and history for thousands of years, from the time of the Judean kings and the Roman era through the times of the Islamic Empire to the modern State of Israel. Every brick and stone is teeming with history. No trip to the Middle East is complete without wandering through alleys of the bazaar, walking the ramparts and exploring the Old City’s rich history at the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa) or Tower of David Museum.

Not far from the Old City, you can find some of Jerusalem’s most vibrant entertainment and shopping centers. Mamilla Mall is just a few steps from Jaffa Gate and counts as one of the most luxurious shopping centers in the city, replete with high-end shops, Mamilla Hotel’s Akasha Spa and a collection of restaurants with amazing views. And if you follow Hebron Road, you’ll find the First Station cultural complex and the Yes Planet movie theater and entertainment center.

The Church of the Messiah (Immanuel Church)

This church is the first Protestant church that was built in Jerusalem, and in fact, the first church that was built within the walls during the 19th century, after hundreds of years during which the Muslim rule prohibited the establishment of churches in Jerusalem and even the ringing of bells.

Jerusalem during the beginning of the 19th century was a neglected and forsaken city at the margins of the Ottoman Empire. Progress finally emerged when the European empires showed interest in the city, and in 1839 the first British consulate was built in Jerusalem. It became the first western consulate in the city.

In 1841, the Anglican church and the German Lutheran church founded a joint Protestant diocese, which operated in Jerusalem and established many buildings and institutions until its dismantling in 1886. In 1844, the Anglican Hospital was established, becoming the first hospital in Jerusalem and Israel.

The church was built by the London Society for promoting Christianity amongst the Jews, an Anglican organization that believed in the necessity of the Jews’ return to their land as part of the redemption process, and it was inaugurated in 1849.

The interior of the church is designed simply, with Jewish symbols and verses in Hebrew. There is a small bell tower in the church’s courtyard. The church’s bell was the first to ring in Jerusalem since the times of the crusaders. Later on, additional buildings were built in the compound.

Today, the compound serves as a hospice, and also houses a heritage center. The church serves various communities for prayer and gathering.

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